Tomorrow, January 29, the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee will hear two tort reform roll back bills at 8am. AIF OPPOSES undoing the 2023 tort reforms that have stabilized the insurance industry and dramatically reduced the number of frivolous lawsuits that are filed in Florida. 

HB 1423 - Presumption Against Liability for Owners and Principal Operators of Multifamily Residential Properties. 

HB 1553 - Evidence of Damages to Prove or Rebut Medical Expenses in Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Actions. 

To view AIF's official position on each bill, please see the one pager below: 

HB 1423 One Pager


HB 1553 One Pager

 

HB 1139 – Impact Fees
On Wednesday, January 28, HB 1139 by Representative Richard Gentry (R-DeBary) was heard by the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill creates clear requirements for local governments who impose impact fee increases under extraordinary circumstances. Specifically, the bill mandates local governments specifically justify each increase through a plan-based method. The bill also creates clear statutes for companies that litigate against local government impact fee increases or those who recover overpaid fees.

HB 1139 will now go to the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that creates clear and reasonable pathways for landowners to develop their land responsibly. Ensuring local governments are using collected impact fees correctly is important in lowering home costs and creating housing throughout the state.

 

HB 105 - Local Government Enforcement Actions
On Wednesday, January 28, HB 105 by Representative Robert Brackett (R-Vero Beach) was heard by the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee and reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill creates the Local Government Regulatory Accountability Act which will prevent local governments from certain inconsistent policies regarding development. The bill also establishes a formal review period for parties who want to request a reconsideration of enforcement actions when applying for certain permits or enforcement actions.  The legislation also includes whistleblower protections for employees who report improper enforcement and preempts local laws that conflict with these standards.

HB 105 will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports laws that make it faster and easier to receive permits so homes can continue to be built across Florida. With housing costs rising, building more homes can help increase supply and keep prices affordable for families. 

 

HB 399 - Land Use and Development Regulations

On Wednesday, January 28, HB 399 by Representative David Borrero (R-Miami Dade) was heard by the House Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill restructures Florida’s land use and development regulatory framework by limiting local government discretion, increasing predictability for developers, and standardizing approval processes statewide. The bill requires development application fees to directly reflect actual administrative costs rather than project value, mandates majority votes for future land use plan amendments, and imposes standards for determining residential compatibility.

HB 399 will now go to the House Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports streamlining processes for development by improving the regulatory pathway for builders across the state. Promoting responsible development is key to assisting in mitigating the affordability issues in Florida.